§ 12. Mr. Summersasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will disclose to widows and dependants of deceased soldiers such circumstances in connection with their deaths as will enable such widows and dependants to judge whether they are entitled to pensions?
§ Mr. A. HendersonThe immediate cause of death is communicated to the next-of-kin, and where further information is asked for a fuller account of the circumstances in which death occurred is given, as soon as the details are available.
§ Mr. SummersIs my hon. and learnt Friend aware that the practice of his Department in informing the next-of-kin that a man has been killed in the service of his country leads them only to expect a pension that may well be varied by this Regulation? Further, as long as the onus of proof is on the individual—and unreasonably placed there—does he not agree that this information should be made available?